A dialog with Altaf Stationwala

TORONTO — After greater than 14 years on the helm of Mackenzie Well being, Altaf Stationwala (pictured) is getting into his new position as Unity Well being Toronto’s president and CEO. Right here, he shares his method to management, the very best recommendation he’s ever acquired and why he wears HOKA sneakers each day.

How are you feeling as you start your new position at Unity Well being Toronto?

There are lots of feelings proper now. I actually imagine that all of it comes right down to relationships and belief — as a result of that’s what makes it potential to tackle daring, adventurous and substantive work collectively. One factor I hold reminding myself, and can share with the Unity Well being group, is that constructing belief takes each day effort, humility and presence. That’s the place I’m beginning — understanding I’ve to earn it, each single day.

What drew you to Unity Well being and the chance to steer right here?

The popularity of all three hospitals was completely a draw. There are only a few massive educational centres like this. There’s one thing actually particular about Unity Well being. The sense of function and mission is so clear. It’s rooted in values which have guided this work for greater than 160 years. As an individual of religion, I deeply join with these values. That shared basis is what actually conjures up me and makes this work so significant.

What ought to we find out about your method to management?

I’ve spent my total profession in healthcare and hospitals, taking over progressive portfolios over time. I’ve been a frontline chief, and I actually perceive and worth what meaning. I imagine strongly in partaking from the frontline up. That’s how I’ve all the time labored. It’s about staying related to the individuals who ship care and providers each day. I’ve seen the downsides of top-down decision-making, and people classes have caught with me. That’s why I plan to be current and visual — listening, studying, and dealing alongside our groups.

Let’s swap gears a bit. I hear you rock sneakers on the workplace. Any fashion that you just swear by?

I put on HOKAs as a result of I tore my Achilles tendon so that they’re the one sneakers I can run with now. One of many belongings you’ll hear about me is that I’m all the time transferring, and I don’t cease. I pay attention and I’m very considerate, however I’m all the time transferring.

What odor or style takes you proper again to your childhood?

For style, it will be cherry Nibs licorice. I used to stroll house from faculty and we’d all the time cease by the nook retailer and eat these. For odor, we had a cherry blossom tree on our entrance garden. Cherry blossoms take me again.

What piece of recommendation has helped you probably the most?

The mentors who’ve served me the very best have stated, “Management could be realized however you might be who you might be.” A lot of what you stand for is formed early on, based mostly on the values you study as a child. So I don’t attempt to change who I’m. I’m grounded by how my mother and father raised me, influenced by my beliefs, and formed by my experiences – and I take advantage of as all of that as the inspiration for a way I lead. I feel that makes me a bit extra genuine. My information and my ability set construct on that basis, but it surely doesn’t change who I’m.

Years in the past, I used to be a aggressive wrestler on the nationwide group. My coach was a former Olympian. He taught me that there are lots of issues you possibly can’t management – however for the belongings you can management, you’ve bought to offer your best possible: issues like working towards, preparation and bodily stamina. For those who good these issues as shut as potential to 100 per cent, the rating and the end result will care for themselves. I nonetheless dwell my life that means.

What’s the finest present you’ve ever acquired or the very best present you’ve ever given?

I had a grandmother who lived to the age of 100. We grew up in a joint household, so she was all the time a part of my life, and he or she solely handed away a couple of years in the past. Her father was a professor in India, so her command of the English language and world affairs was phenomenal. She was the Scrabble champion. She taught me the advantage of schooling and lifelong studying. In some ways, my grandmother was the best present I’ve ever had. Once I turned a CEO, she was so happy with me. That pleasure, that connection, was such a present.

When do you are feeling like your most genuine self?

I’m my most genuine self once I can have enjoyable. The work we do is severe – and I take it very critically – however I attempt to not take myself too critically.

How do you keep away from burnout throughout busy durations of life?

Common health and train. I can’t run as a lot as I used to, however I run and take spin courses. It helps simply to go laborious and sweat and lose your self in that bodily problem of getting out of breath. I discover that basically recharges me and retains me wholesome.

What scares you probably the most?

Letting individuals down. I can’t please all people, I can’t make all people joyful, however I take it personally once I let individuals down.

Oilers or Leafs?

I’m a fanatical Habs fan – I used to be born and raised in Montreal in order that’s my excuse. I can’t stand the Leafs. I’ve informed you my finest present. My worst present was that my Board [at Mackenzie Health] felt compelled to offer me a Leaf’s jersey as a farewell present as a result of I used to be coming nearer to Toronto.

Favorite meals?

Cheeseburger. That’s why I be certain to get to the gymnasium. It’s all about steadiness!

Greatest music or band to work out to?

I’m a giant AC/DC fan.

What’s your on a regular basis superpower?

It doesn’t take me lengthy to repair my hair within the morning.

If we spot you within the hallways of our Unity Well being Toronto websites, what ought to we do?

Please come and discuss to me! I’d love to satisfy you.

As we shut, is there something you’d actually like individuals to know?

This can be a severe duty, so I method it with an incredible sense of respect for the group and its historical past. I don’t take this flippantly and I really feel an incredible diploma of accountability to the entire Unity Well being group.

Supply: Unity Well being. This interview has been edited and condensed, as informed to Hayley Mick.